The Pewter Plank
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 4 free agent possibilities after cap increase

By Cory Kinnan

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Jay Ajayi #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles stiff arms Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 16: Jay Ajayi #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles stiff arms Jason Pierre-Paul #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 14: Cornerback Morris Claiborne #21 of the New York Jets celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 14, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 14: Cornerback Morris Claiborne #21 of the New York Jets celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 14, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

CB Morris Claiborne

The Buccaneers have completely overhauled their secondary, and drafted two young corners in back-to-back years, but if they want to add a guy who is a proven starter in the NFL, then they could look to add Morris Claiborne. The Buccaneers were rumored to have interest in Claiborne before the draft, but he wanted more than the minimum.

He has waited on the market longer now and may be willing to take that price now, or the Buccaneers now have the opportunity to sweeten the pot a bit. If the Buccaneers do not firmly believe in Carlton Davis and Vernon Hargreaves and do not want to start Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean right away, then adding Claiborne makes sense.

While the former top-five pick of the Dallas Cowboys was a late bloomer in his career, he has put it together as of late and turned into a starting caliber cornerback; nothing more, nothing less. Claiborne does not turn 30 until part way through the season as well, giving Tampa Bay a guy who could come in on a one or two year deal and give them quality reps.

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Claiborne had possibly his best season at the age of 28/29 for the New York Jets last season, recording two interceptions and defending 14 more passes; PFF graded him out at an average 62.7. If he has a good relationship with his former head coach Bowles, then he could be fast tracked to Tampa Bay if the price is right.

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